Last Updated on November 24, 2024 by II Editor
North Carolina is home to many excellent institutions of higher education, offering world-class academics alongside vibrant campus cultures and communities. With so many outstanding options, deciding where to attend college can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we profiled 10 of the top colleges in North Carolina to help prospective students make an informed choice. Spanning both public and private universities, these schools consistently rank among the best in the state and nation for their outstanding academics, resources, and student outcomes. From renowned research powerhouses to scenic liberal arts colleges, read on to discover the unique strengths of each institution and what sets them apart.
#1: Davidson College
Founded in 1837, Davidson College is a private liberal arts college located in Davidson, North Carolina. As one of the smallest schools on this list with only around 2,000 students, Davidson maximizes opportunities for close interactions between students and professors. The college is known for its rigorous academics across 40 majors and 150+ student organizations. Davidson’s highly selective admission rate of only 22% makes it one of the most difficult colleges to get into in the state.
Major program strengths include biology, business, economics, English, history, and languages. To be considered for admission, students typically need an SAT score in the high 1400s or ACT score of 33+, along with a competitive high school GPA. Davidson College awards over $50 million in financial aid and nearly 60% of students receive some form of need-based assistance. Graduates benefit from an excellent alumni network and have an average starting salary of $59,600.
#2: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Established in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, commonly known as UNC-Chapel Hill or simply UNC, is the oldest public university in the United States. Situated on a verdant campus in the town of Chapel Hill, UNC is a prestigious Tier 1 research institution and part of the esteemed UNC system. With over 29,000 students enrolled across 75 majors, UNC offers tremendous variety and opportunities for research, internships, collaborations, and more.
Notable programs include business, journalism & media, political science, biology, chemistry, computer science, and economics. Entry into UNC is highly competitive, with admission requirements including a minimum weighted GPA of 4.0 and SAT scores around 1450 or ACT composite of 33. UNC provides generous financial aid and over 60% of students receive scholarships or grants totaling $206 million in aid awarded annually. The outstanding academics and resources available consistently rank UNC among the best public universities nationwide.
#3: Duke University
Founded in 1924, Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. With approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 14,000 total students, Duke offers substantial resources alongside a tight-knit community feel. The university is renowned worldwide for its academically rigorous programs across disciplines including business, engineering, nursing, law, medicine, the environment, and liberal arts. The strong emphasis on research and collaborative learning make Duke a top producer for Fulbright Scholars and future leaders.
To gain admission, incoming freshmen typically have GPA averages above 3.8 and combined SAT scores of 1490 or ACT of 34. Duke meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans. Major strengths of the Duke experience include opportunities for immersive learning through research universities, global projects, and a diverse array of cultural offerings in the Durham Triangle Region. The university’s strong reputation prepares graduates for excellent career prospects and post-graduate success.
#4: North Carolina State University
Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University is the largest public university in the state with more than 36,000 students enrolled across 6 degree-granting colleges. Known as NCSU or State, the university has a strong reputation across various fields, including engineering, agriculture, natural resources, textiles, design, and sciences. Located in Raleigh, NCSU utilizes over 1,000 acres including centrally located research facilities where undergrads can engage in hands-on projects alongside top faculty.
Highly regarded programs include Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Industrial Engineering, Management, and Sustainable Materials Science. For admission, students require a weighted GPA around 4.17 and SAT scores near 1270 or ACT composite of 28. State meets 100% of student need through scholarships averaging $11,000 for in-state residents. After graduation, Wolfpack alumni enjoy a median income of $55,800 and NCSU ranks among the top institutions for career outcomes.
#5: Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private research university and Baptist-affiliated institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1834, Wake Forest consistently ranks among the top colleges in the South, with approximately 8,500 students enrolled across 7 academic divisions. Wake Forest is best known for its renowned programs in business, health sciences, law, and liberal arts. Winston-Salem’s tight-knit campus culture fosters close collaboration, high academic standards, and outstanding resources like internships alongside Fortune 500 companies in nearby business hubs.
For admission, students typically need a minimum weighted GPA of 4.0 and scores such as 1470 SAT or 33 ACT. Wake Forest is committed to access and affordability, meeting 100% of demonstrated need with over $160 million in annual financial assistance. After graduation, Demon Deacons enjoy excellent career and graduate school placement rates, strong alumni networks, and a lifetime of support.
#6: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Founded in 1891, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) is a public research university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. With over 20,000 students enrolled, UNCG offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors, including strengths in nursing, education, human environmental sciences, visual and performing arts, as well as applied sciences and emerging fields. The diverse student body enjoys nearly 200 student organizations on a campus situated alongside scenic Lake Higgins.
For admission, the typical requirements are a weighted GPA of 3.5-4.0 and SAT scores averaging 1180-1390 or ACT composite of 25-30. UNCG meets 100% of demonstrated need for North Carolina residents with grants, loans, and opportunities to work-study. After graduating, Spartans enjoy outcomes including employment rates averaging 89% and median starting salaries of $43,000 across fields like health, business, and education.
#7: University of North Carolina at Wilmington
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is a public coastal university located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Founded in 1947, UNCW has grown to around 18,000 students across 200+ academic programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Notable areas of focus include marine and environmental science, business, education, nonprofit leadership, nursing, and psychology.
Situated on 280 scenic acres with direct access to beaches, UNCW provides opportunities for hands-on research through seven marine research centers. For admission, typical qualifications include minimum weighted GPA around 4.0, SAT scores averaging 1160, or ACT score around 25. UNCW awards financial support through need-based programs totaling $100 million annually to help North Carolina residents access excellent academics and facilities. Graduates enjoy high placement rates in fields like healthcare, environment management, and business—preparing them for careers in Wilmington’s expanding job market.
#8: Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a public university located in Boone, North Carolina. Founded in 1899, Appalachian State enrolls approximately 19,000 students across academically distinguished colleges of fine and applied arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, and sciences. AppState excels in honors programs, undergraduate research opportunities, accredited professional programs, and career preparation in high-demand fields.
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, AppState offers Division I athletics alongside close-knit communities and outdoor adventures. Typical admission statistics encompass weighted GPAs between 3.5-4.0, SAT scores around 1150, or ACT composite of 25. The university meets 100% of demonstrated need through aid programs awarding $149 million annually and keeping costs low for NC residents. After graduating as one of the nation’s most impactful university alumni, AppState Mountaineers enjoy employment rates over 95% and average starting salaries of $44,000.
#9: Salem University
Founded in 1890, Salem University is a private liberal arts-based institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a private historically Black university affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Salem fosters diversity, inclusivity, and close-knit communities across the scenic 50-acre campus. Undergraduate programs enroll approximately 900 students in majors spanning arts, humanities, natural sciences, and professional fields. Salem is renowned for programs in divinity, counseling, criminal justice, and social work.
Typical incoming freshman have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.3-2.5, while transfer students require a 2.25 cumulative average. Salem prioritizes access through competitive tuition rates at public university levels and awarding over $3 million in institutional scholarships each year. Graduates achieve success through career placement assistance, close faculty mentorship, and connections preparing them for purposeful lives and careers.
#10: Campbell University
Located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, Campbell University is a private nonprofit university affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Founded in 1887, Campbell University enrolls over 8,000 students across undergraduate programs, physical therapy doctorate, law and pharmacy professional schools situated on 400 scenic acres. The University is renowned for providing exceptional personalized learning experiences through a low student-faculty ratio of 13:1.
Major academic strengths at Campbell University include pharmacy, law, education, communication studies, and criminal justice. Incoming freshmen typically have minimum GPA requirements between 2.5-3.3, while competitive transfer applicants hold GPAs of 2.8 or higher. The University meets 100% of demonstrated need and over 70% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid or scholarships through institutional programs awarding $30 million yearly.
After graduating from Campbell’s supportive program communities, Camels gain access to a robust alumni network of over 40,000 across fields such as health professions, business, legal careers, and education leadership. Graduates enjoy success indicators including average starting salaries of $52,500 and career placement rates exceeding 90%. Overall, Campbell University emphasizes faith-based holistic development to cultivate ethical leaders prepared for purposeful careers and lives of service.
Conclusion
In closing, these top colleges in North Carolina offer exceptional academics alongside unparalleled campus experiences and community support structures. Graduate outcomes demonstrate how attending any institution highlighted provides an excellent foundation for lifelong success. With diverse strengths across liberal arts, research programs, and professional degrees; thriving campus cultures in metropolitan and scenic settings; and strong commitments to access and affordability – North Carolina Higher Education presents world-class opportunities to pursue one’s goals and passions. For prospective students seeking the best college fit, thorough research considering individual priorities can help discern the right pathway to a purposeful education and bright future.
